Venues

History of the Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum was built on the site of the Boston Music Hall in 1852. In 1900 the building was nearly gutted and rebuilt within the old walls for conversion into a vaudeville theatre. It reopened on February 12, 1905 as the Empire Theatre. When Percy Williams took over the theatre on September 3, 1906 it was renamed the Orpheum. It was then sold to Marcus Loew in 1910. Loew bought additional land and hired architect Thomas Lamb to design a new theatre. The new theatre was designed in the Adam style with expanded capacity. The proscenium arch was made of golden hued glass and illuminated from behind.

In January 1916 the theatre reopened hosting a combination of vaudeville and film. Vaudeville was replaced in the 1930’s with first-run double features. In 1965 film distributors dropped the exclusive first run policy for downtown theatres. This was a tough time for the Orpheum because it then had to compete with nearby theatres for first-run films. Loew’s abandoned the Orpheum Theatre on January 18, 1972. It was renamed the Aquarius and was once again a home for live performances. In May of 1974, Sarah Caldwell moved the Opera Company in and renamed it the Orpheum. The Washington Street entrance no longer exists. It now plays host to a succession of Live Performances booked by companies such as Tea Party Concerts and Live Nation.

Policies

Accessibility:There are accessible stalls in the downstairs restrooms and accessible seating for guests with hearing, mobility and visual disabilities. There is no on street handicapped parking, but drop offs, under certain circumstances, are allowed.

You can purchase tickets for accessible seats by calling 800-745-3000 to reach a Fan Support specialist, visiting the venue box office or clicking the Request Accessible Tickets button on your event when purchasing on Ticketmaster.com.

Alcohol Policy: To purchase alcoholic beverages, a patron must present a valid MA river’s License, MA Liquor ID, U.S. Passport or Military ID, which indicates the patron to be at least 21 years of age. (MA ID cards, duplicate licenses, expired, damaged, and driver’s licenses which do not have photos will not be accepted.) Out of state licenses are acceptable only if the patron is aDt least 21 years of age. Patrons who present an out-of-state drivers license will be required to produce a second form of identification (e.g. credit card). Any patron in the possession of alcoholic beverages on premises may be requested to produce identification that satisfies the foregoing requirements. We will not serve more than two alcoholic beverages per person.

Animals: No animals may be brought into the venue except officially designated animals that assist our guests with special needs.

ATM Machine: There 1 ATM machine located in the lobby of the Orpheum theatre.

Backpacks: Backpacks are allowed in the gates unless otherwise specified.

Box Office: The box office will stay open until an hour after the performance begins on the evening of a show. For more information, please visit our box office page.

Cameras: Unfortunately the issue of cameras is a little difficult. Some artists do allow them, so artists do not. However if cameras are allowed they must be disposable or small non-professional cameras. Think a simple point and shoot camera. Cameras with zoom lens and video recorders are not allowed.

Capacity: The Orpheum Theatre has a capacity of 2,700.

Cell phones: We ask that you use proper cell phone etiquette during a performance at the Orpheum Theatre. Please try to refrain from using your cell phone during a performance and if you must use it, please exit the seating area.

Children: For most performances babies in arms, in other words children up to the age of 2, may enter free of charge. All other children must have a ticket

Doors: Doors open forty five minutes before the scheduled show time unless otherwise noted.

Concessions: There is limited food available on an event by event basis. Beer and wine are also available.

Parking: The Orpheum Theatre does not have a private parking lot. There are many parking garages nearby including but not limited to: Boston Common Garage and the Center Street Garage.

Prohibited Items: Cans Glass bottles Laser pointers Weapons Firearms

Public Transportation: Conveniently located near The Boston Commons, The Orpheum Theatre is accessible from the Park Street Station on the MBTA Red and Green Lines. There is also an Orange Line station one block away at Downtown Crossing.

Re-entry: Re-entry is allowed during intermission

Refund Policy: No refunds or exchanges allowed.

Restrooms: There are men’s and women’s restrooms in the lobby and on the mezzanine level.

Security: For our guests safety we make sure the Orpheum Theatre is fully staffed with security personnel. If you have a security issue, please contact a member of security at any time.

Smoking: Smoking in the Orpheum Theatre is strictly prohibited. Any patron caught smoking will be evicted